The silent procession is not only intended to honor those who injured and killed, but also to remind motorists, police, the courts and other public officials that bicyclists have a right to use public roads.

The commemorative bicycle ride was launched in 2003 by Chris Phelan, who organized a ride to remember endurance cyclist Larry Swartz who was struck and killed by the mirror of a passing bus.

Since then, the ride has grown to every state in the U.S. and 23 other countries. In 2011, Ride of Silence events were held in 320 cities.

Be sure to confirm the start time of the ride in your area. I notice the Seattle Ride for Silence convenes at Gas Works Park at 6 p.m. for a dedication at 6:15 p.m. and a ride roll-out at 6:30 p.m. The cyclists plan to be passing City Hall at 7 p.m.

This post has no tag

Permanent link to this article: http://www.bikingbis.com/2011/05/18/remember-fallen-bicyclists-ride-of-silence-is-wednesday/